All posts by Stefanie

City Guide: 72 Hours in Tulum

October 21, 2015City GuideStefanie

If you are going to Tulum any time soon keep this in mind before you arrive, eco-travel is the only way to go. Do not expect fresh water showers, A/C or any other luxury of that sort. Tulum is a hippy town along the coast of the Riviera Maya and global jet-setters are starting to love it. Last year I planned Tulum trips for clients in Russia, China and Germany. How they learned about Tulum? It beats me, but I am sure glad they did because they are putting this tiny charming town under the radar of people looking for exotic trips.

Thursday:

12:00pm– Check-in to the best hotel in the city, Be Tulum. This is the perfect place if you like eco-travel without sacrificing luxury.

If you do not mind not having A/C and fresh water, Coqui Coqui is a cute spot design wise. *Note: Most hotels are Eco-hotels, so their electricity shuts off, showers and sinks have only ocean water and they have no A/C. If you are going in the Summer, stay at BE Tulum, if you are going in the winter your options should range between Coqui Coqui and Ana y Jose.

2:00pm– Order a bottle of rose at the Coqui Coqui beach and enjoy the sun. If you are feeling antsy visit their perfumerie and clothing shop, they are so cute you will end up buying everything in sight.

4:00pm– COBA: Mayan City in the Jungle that’s 40 minutes from Tulum. This city has the only pyramid that they will supposedly let you climb to the top of. The view is incredible.

8:00pm– Dinner at Casa Jaguar. Beautiful ambiance and beautiful place. I love it. Order the ceviche and kale salad.

10:00pm– Batey: Beautiful Bar to get a drink at night and sometimes they have live music.

Friday:

7:00am- Tiburon Ballena. Whale Sharks are probably the most incredible thing to see while you are visiting the Riviera Maya. The season is June until mid September so be sure to plan your trip around this.

9:30am- Breakfast at Be Tulum. Their chilaquiles are worth every bite.

11:30am– Cenotes. A cenote is an underwater cave ideal for all the scuba divers out there. Dos Ojos is the most popular due to its beauty. The setting is perfect as you walk a short distance through the jungle to get there.

1:00pm– Posada Margherita. Good Pasta and Fish

3:30pm– If you like diving, there are many fantastic PADI offices around Tulum. If diving is not your style, rent some snorkel gear and head out from your hotel.

8:00pm– Dinner at Hartwood. This rustic spot has no stoves, no convection ovens or anything of that sort. In fact he only uses wood fire to cook with. The kitchen is open air and every element of the kitchen is bare and simple.

10:30pm– Drinks at Gitano. This place is decorated in a very cute way, and it is perfect for an after dinner drink.

Saturday:

9:00am– Grab a smoothie or acai bowl at one of the many amazing juice spots. Insider Tip: Il Barino Tulum Juice & Co are the best.

11:00am-Head over to the end of the beach highway to the Tulum ruins. They will probably be the most exotic ruins you will ever lie your eyes on. After walking the grounds make sure to take a dip in the ruin beach. After, head over to the Cenote Delfi, a few feet away. You should go there one day as well. It costs $4 to get in and they take you to a bridge in the middle of the jungle and then you arrive to a lake/cenote where the water is beautiful. This will only take 30 minutes of your time and is worth it.

1:30pm– Matteos: Good for lunch. Mexican Food (Fajitas and Quesadillas). Amazing to watch the sunset. Another great spot is Coqui Coqui, their tostadas are amazing.

8:00pm– Hemingway: Really yummy food and right on the ocean.

Sunday:

10:00am– What a better way to start your day than with a morning yoga class? Yoga Shala is the best studio in town. Surrounded by a lush tropical forest, the open air studio is perfect to get in touch with your senses.

11:00am– Enjoy a last dip in the crystal clear water before sadly leaving. However, if you want to make this a 120 hour trip, rent a car and start driving to my favorite island in the Riviera Maya, Holbox. This place is so stunning, you will change your upcoming Maldives trip to this off the beaten path island.

Hacienda de San Antonio. Colima, Mexico

October 16, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotels in Colima, hacienda de san antonio, luxury hotels Colima, luxury hotels mexicoStefanie

Hacienda de San Antonio is set in the foothills of Colima, just one hour south of Puerta Vallarta, on the doorstep of an active volcano. Two giant wooden doors open up to lush gardens and a patio area, truly breathtaking when taking in the backdrop. Since the weather is like spring year round, the flowers are in constant bloom, giving the Hacienda a very bright feel. Not to mention the Hacienda is a perfect coral pink which compliments each night’s sunset perfectly.

The 25 suites at the Hacienda showcase some of the region’s most prominent artists. Each room is uniquely decorated and have expansive balconies overlooking the property. The three Grand Suites offer the most natural light, with El Sol being the largest of three, you can connect two to get a memorable Honeymoon Suite. To get the best view of the smoky Volcano, stay in the El Quetzal Junior Suite. Alternatively, La Chalupita is a highly desirable, bright, corner room with huge windows overlooking the lawn and French doors opening on to the patio.

After you’ve fully explored your room and the gardens, head to the Yellow Bar for a sunset cocktail. If you’re looking for a more quiet evening, The Library is the perfect place to unwind with a book, while the light-filled Mirador Room is perfecting for watching a movie on their huge HD TV.

The restaurant at Hacienda de San Antonio combines traditional Mexican flare with international influence in their dishes. The meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables are all grown at local farms or provided by their own ranch. Ask for a private garden-terrace dinner for two, looking up at the stars while surrounded by flowers is just about as romantic as it gets.

When you go, be sure to take a horse back ride through the mountains or a private picnic for two at Epazote Lake.

City Guide: 72 Hours in San Francisco

October 9, 2015City Guidecity guide sf, luxury hotels san francisco, san francisco city guide, san francisco guide, san francisco hotel, San Francisco Hotels, san francisco restaurantes, san francisco travel, sf guide, sfo guide, travel san franciscoStefanie

Growing up only a few hours from San Francisco, it used to be my favorite city destination in California. The vibrant culture, art, and food are just a few of the reason why San Francisco is one of my favorite U.S. cities. San Franciscans are known for their enthusiasm for all things healthy and outdoorsy, so don’t be surprised to find the next big health food trend you haven’t even heard of yet. From the best food trucks to the Michelin-starred restaurants, we’ve got you covered for the best places to eat, drink, and be merry.

Thursday:

12:00pm– Check-in to the Fairmont Hotel, located at the top of Nob Hill overlooking both Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. This 592-room hotel is definitely most suitable for the seasoned traveler, one who prefers classic luxury to more modern accommodations. Built in 1907, this hotel is now a landmark within the city.

If you would like a hotel that is a bit more modern with some chic flair, check out The Clift, located on famed Geary Street just steps from the cute neighborhood of Nob Hill. From the second you enter the glowing purple entranceway you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.

2:00pm– If you’re trying to steer clear of the more run down tourist areas (cough cough Union Square), head to Haight & Ashbury for some eclectic shopping and stores. Most famously known for being the origin place of the hippie culture.

4:00pm– Check out the De Young Museum in Golden Gate park. They will be featuring a very exciting exhibit on Oscar de La Renta this March 2016. The California Academy of Sciences is also just a few steps away.

8:00pm– Dinner at Gary Danko. This high-end restaurant is near Fisherman’s Wharf. It is probably the most quintessential San Francisco dining experience. Insider tip: Their cheese cart is amazing.

If you are looking for an unpretentious eatery, try The Chubby Noodle. It is located in one of the hottest neighborhoods but has not sky rocketed it’s prices. Opt for the BBQ ribs, peking duck steam buns, chubby chow mein. Insider Tip: they give out free sake shots!

10:00pm– Drinks at Wilson & Wilson, this swanky speak-easy is the perfect place for after dinner drinks on your date night or with friends. Reservations are needed.

Friday:

9:30am- Breakfast at Sweet Maple, it’s extremely large menu has a section devoted just to Benedicts (try the Hemingway with salmon and wasabi Hollandaise). But their shining star is the bacon,they batter and deep-fry it (Dixie Bacon) or bake it in brown sugar with cayenne and red & black pepper (Millionaire’s Bacon).

11:30am– Take a morning tour to Alcatraz Island, the view will be spectacular because the morning’s fog will just be clearing up and you’ll be able to watch it retreat back into the hills. Make sure you do the audio tour of Alcatraz when you go!

1:00pm– Head to the super trendy neighborhood, The Marina, and walk around for some high-end shopping and fresh juices. Stop in to Tacolicious for some of the best taco’s in the city! There is always a line around the building waiting for a table here so try to go on an off-hour. Their guac is so superb you might stuff yourself silly.

3:30pm– Work off all those taco’s with a hike at Land’s End, one of the most beautiful views in all of San Francisco. This hike runs along the ocean cliffs overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s not a hard hike so don’t be too intimidated!

8:00pm– Splurge on yourself at SPQR, the sister property of A16, an equally great restaurant with wood-burning pizzas. SPQR focuses on traditional Italian dishes which include fresh, house-made pastas, but be sure to go with a small group of friends (they only allow tables of four people max).

If you are not into Italian, try Spruce. Located in Laurel Heights, it is a great American spot on the expensive side, but well worth it.

10:30pm– For a lively bar that’s very in with the cool-crowd, check out Ambassador for an after-dinner martini. The music starts to get louder around 11:00pm so get ready to dance!

Saturday:

9:00am– Head to The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero (right on the water), one of my all-time favorite places on a Saturday when there is a farmer’s market. One of SF’s best restaurants is also located here, the Slanted Door (Vietnamese) is here, so make sure you stop by for breakfast. Make sure to go with an appetite!

1:30pm– Hire a car and spend the day oyster shucking at Hog Island Oyster Company. Stop by Palace Market to pick up picnicking supplies for your journey (i.e. beer, wine, and champagne, the essentials). For the price of the oysters and a $5 picnicking fee, you’re treated to complimentary shucking equipment, a shucking lesson, lemon, and ALL the hot sauce. Purchase charcoal for $7 or bring your own. Also, stop by Cowgirl Creamery, right around the corner, for some of the best cheese in the city.

5:00pm– Check out Arlequin Wine Shop, it’s a little taste of Napa without having to drive all the way there. Being that its something of a local secret, not many people are aware of the magical community garden out back, where you can drink any wine from the shop by the glass for a small corkage fee.

8:00pm– State Bird Provisions, a haven of gourmet dumplings and savory pancakes and a separate menu where you’ll find the quail dish that gave the restaurant its name. Three years and two James Beard awards later, getting a table here is as difficult as ever.

Or get a table at Aatxe, located on Upper Market street, named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the U.S. by Zagat. The restaurant recreates the charm of Northern Spain, using dark wood and Spanish tiles that recall the tapas bars of the Basque country.

Sunday:

10:00am– Make a quick stop at Judahlicious for one of their vegan acai bowls in the Ocean Beach area. What’s a stop in SF without something ridiculously healthy?

12:00pm- Sundays in San Francisco are spent at Off The Grid, the largest collection of food truck in the city with a stunning view overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge at Presidio Park. Come, and bring your picnic blanket, and listen to live music while you sample some of the best artisan foods in the city. Food trucks not to miss: Three Twins Ice Cream, El Porteno, Grilled Cheez Guy, DUM Truck, and Happy Moose Juice.

11:00am– Before you head home, make a pit stop at Golden Gate Park and go for a paddle boat ride on Stow Lake. The park also offers Japanese Tea Gardens if you want to be a little more zen.

NIZUC. Cancun, Mexico

October 2, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in cancun, cancun luxury hotel, cancun luxury travel, luxury hotel cancun, nisuc, nizuc, nizuc hotelStefanie

If you’ve ever been to Cancun you know that all the major chain hotels are located along the same strip as the airport, and you know that they are extremely in need of more space. Along comes NIZUC Resort & Spa, which is the answer to all our privacy problems. Sleek and modern, NIZUC is a far cry from the over-touristy hotels in Cancun, and you won’t find anyone chugging down a Sex On The Beach. Sophistication is the focal point of this hotel and they definitely have upheld this over the years.

With 274 accommodation types to chose from, there will always be something for everyone. Stay in one of their Ocean Suite, Residence Suites, or Private Villas. Opt for the Master Suite, which comes with panoramic views of the ocean (something you definitely want if you’re traveling to Cancun), one king bed and separate living room, and 30 meter private infinity pool. If you’re traveling with a family or larger party, opt for the NIZUC Villa. This 5,380 sq ft villa features one king bedroom suite, which boasts a spectacular 409 sq. ft. rooftop sundeck, and a lush 2,770 sq. ft. tropical garden with a stunning infinity pool.

You’ll never have to venture out of the hotel to eat because there are 6 dining options available- you’ll never have to eat the same thing twice. There’s Ramona, which serves contemporary Mexican overlooking the beach, Indochine (the best pad thai ever), Terra Nostra (you can only eat so much Mexican food so sample some Mediterranean delicacies), Ni (Peruvian), Cafe de la Playa, and the casual La Punta Grill & Lounge. I definitely recommend Ni for lunch because the view is stunning.

NIZUC is also one of the most perfect balances between adult time and family time. NIZUC has a kids club, called Winik’s Kids Club, that has offers snorkeling and other such water activities from ages 3-14. There is a main pool, suitable for all ages, and also an adults-only pool and section, both offer a swim up bar and small bites. Fun fact: NIZUC is the only resort in Cancun that has views of the sunrise AND sunset. Every Thursday the hotel also offers a cigar roller and live Cuban jazz.

Travel Tip: Best Hidden Beaches in Mexico

September 30, 2015Travel TipsBe Tulum, Beaches in Mexico, Bohemian Beaches, Casa Las Tortugas, Hidden Beaches, Imanta Resort, secret beaches in MexicoStefanie

After our little adventure to the Riviera Maya, we could not stop day dreaming about the beautiful beaches we got to experience and admire. If you’re looking for a beach destination in Mexico, but want to skip the crowded and touristy beaches, the following beaches are perfect for you!

Check out below for a lookbook of our fave swimsuits of the season.

1. Holbox

Holbox is a a little known island that is becoming very popular with the Mexican elite, not to mention it is the top spot for instagrammers! This tiny island can be walked the full length in just two hours and there are no cars to be found (only super cute golf cart taxis). The beaches are white and sandy and the water is perfectly warm, so grab a glass of rosé at one of the many beach bars and take yourself for a dip. Make sure you visit Flamingo Beach and take a little cat nap in one of the above water hammocks in front of Villas Flamingo. When you go, stay at Casa Las Tortugas, they are newly renovated and oh-so-chic.

2. Tulum

This sleepy surfer town is about to become one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, so visit it before the crowds arrive! One long road connects all the hottest hotels, restaurants, and bars, so rent a bike and explore them all. Make sure to make a dinner stop at Casa Jaguar, by far one of the best meals we had on our trip, make sure to order the ceviche and kale salad. The beaches in Tulum are having a slight problem with the amount of seaweed that has been washing up on shore due to the warm waters, so try to visit in the winter. When you go, stay at Be Tulum, this modern hotel has the hottest celebs coming to visit and their bar gets packed at night, even in low season. Insider Tip: One of the best beaches in all of the Riviera Maya is hidden at the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, rent a bike and explore the ruins.

3. Sayulita

Sayulita is a very cosmopolitan beach town, filled with European expats and surfers alike. It offers a similar escape to Tulum: small chic boutique hotels where the two favorite past times, surfing and yoga, are offered everywhere. Opt for lunch at The Real Fish Taco, where you’ll indulge in some of the freshest ceviche and fish tacos. The sleepy surf town is quite chic is a non-cookie cutter kind of way, and you’ll fall in love with it just like the other two beach towns! When you go, stay at Imanta Resort, just outside of Sayulita in Punta de Mita. The Resort is sco-friendly and secluded, without being too far off the beaten track.

Lookbook:

viVood Hotel. Valencia, Spain

September 25, 2015Hotel of the Weekeco friendly hotel spain, eco-friendly hotel in spain, luxury hotel in spain, luxury hotel in valencia, prefab architecture, prefab hotel, spain hotel, vivood, vivood spainStefanie

When I came across the bizarre Encuentro Guadalupe in the wine country of Mexico, I thought box style hotels couldn’t get cooler than this, until I found viVood in Spain, a new concept hotel integrated with nature.

Lately we have been hearing a lot about prefab construction and how it is the new way of sustainable construction. I honestly wasn’t very sure how this would work in a luxury hotel until I discovered the spectacular viVood.

The idea of this rustic yet luxurious huts scattered around the Valencia region in Spain is to offer an unparalleled glamping experience in a way that doesn’t affect the environment around it, on the contrary, it helps the environment, and the best part is that it doesn’t sacrifice luxury.

As you enter the property you will feel like you are one more tree in the lush mountains. The effect it has to make you feel as part of the natural surroundings is like no other camping experience you will ever have. It is comprised by 25 individual homes that are made from pine wood, and it can be adapted to different sizes, landscapes and needs. The premium pool suite is the room you definitely need to stay in. It has it’s own jacuzzi that overlooks the Valencia mountains creating a such a peaceful environment that you might not want to leave your hotel room. However, if you do end up leaving your room, their lounge is equally as beautiful and relaxing.

A group of Spanish architects and engineers joined forces to create viVood. Developed by Daniel Mayo Pardo, this little energy-efficient shelters are so spectacular that we rated it as the best bizarre hotel of the month on Posh Voyage.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Finland

September 21, 2015Hotel of the Weekarctic hotel, arctic resort, finland, ice hotel, Kakslauttanen, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, luxury hotel finland, santa claus hose, Santa's House, scandinavia hotel, snow hotelStefanie

Two words, winter wonderland. Kakslauttanen Artic House has rapidly become a property worthy to be in everyone’s bucket list since it’s opening. Located in Sweden only 250km from the Arctic Circle, this property is so enchanting that even Ralph Lauren decided to shoot their latest Winter collection in the snowy grounds.

The air so clean and crisp you will feel it deep in your lungs, the water is so clean you will taste heaven with every sip you take from the stream, the surroundings are so peaceful your brain will finally take an overdue break. The Kakslauttanen Hotel is not only famous for being located in the most ethereal spot in Sweden, but for their dim lit glass domes scattered around the most enchanting spot of the Lapland region.

It is not easy to get to, but if you are an adventure traveler, this is your next stop. Fly into Helsinki and take a 1.5hr flight to Ivalo Airport and drive for 30 minutes to Kakslauttanen Artic Resort .

As soon as you set foot in this virginal piece of heaven, you will fall head over heels with it so hard that you will make this your yearly winter trip.

As soon as you check in, the friendly staff will swift you away to your room after touring the frosty grounds for a couple minutes. If you choose to stay in the Igloo (I highly suggest you do) you will have to do a double take to realize that this is actually going to be your home for the nest few days. The domes, nestled between celestial pine trees, resemble an igloo, but instead of ice it is made out of glass. The reason behind the design of the rooms was to be able to see the Aurora Borealis on its full splendor and not have anything interrupt the breathtaking views.

It is open year round, however my favorite time of year to visit is during the winter. In the summer the sun does not set making every night a White Night dream, this time of year is also gorgeous. Their activities include horse-led safaris, nature hikes, river cruises in the world-famous Lemmenjoki National Park, berry picking and panning for gold. During the winter, the most iconic sight is the Aurora Borealis, however you can also sled with reindeer and huskies, ride sleighs through the snow, ice fish and take a daylong trip on an icebreaker cruise ship.

If you are the kind of traveler that loves to get their “winter fix” skip the typical Colorado ski trip and try something more bizarre, something more exciting, something more adventurous.

Pictures provided by the property and photographer Valtteri Hirvonen.

Tree Hotel. Harads, Sweden

September 11, 2015Hotel of the Weekadventure hotel, bizarre hotels, cool hotel, odd hotels, sweden bizarre hotel, sweden luxury, sweden luxury hotel, tree hotel, tree hotel harads, tree hotel swedenStefanie

Very rarely do I come across a hotel that truly makes me go, wait… what? But at Tree Hotel, located in Northern Sweden along the Lule River, you truly marvel at the artistic concept of these rooms. The concept of the hotel was to create a unique housing experience located directly in nature with an exciting modern design. The hotel was also inspired by the film “The Tree Lover” by Jonas Selberg Augustsen, in which three men from the city want to go back to their roots by building a tree house together. Britta’s Pensionat (the main lobby) is open for Treehotel’s guests, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in an authentic 1930-1950’s setting. There’s a restaurant, bar, sauna and relaxation area, TV, and internet. When you arrive at Treehotel, you first check at Britta’s pensionat; then it’s a short stroll through the breathtaking nature to your treeroom.

There are 7 different room types, all with a unique theme and design. They range from The Cabin to The UFO to Dragonfly, their largest room. Each of the rooms are around 22m² and come with all the modern amenities of a big-city hotel. If I had to chose a favorite, it would be the Mirrorcube, it is so camouflaged you have to look very closely otherwise you might miss your own room! The frame is aluminum with reflecting glass covering the whole structure. The best part of this room is the rooftop terrace, you can ~~spy on your neighbors~~ watch the sun go down with a yummy cocktail without anyone seeing you.

Tree Hotel also offers numerous seasonal activities. In the winter go for an action-packed dog sled through the frozen landscape. Once the snow melts you can go fishing, horse-back riding, or explore the forest and river’s edge by foot. This hotel is not for the claustrophobic however, the rooms are small and you are essentially staying in a tiny box. But the payoff is worth it to see nature truly uninterrupted.

Keemala Hotel. Thailand

September 3, 2015Hotel of the Weekbizarre hotel, keemala, Keemala Hotel, luxury hotels, luxury hotels Phuket, odd hotels, Phuket, Thailand, thailand luxury hotelsStefanie

Sometimes I visit a place and think I’ve seen all there is to see. But that is the wonderful thing about travel, each time brings a new adventure and experience since the hospitality industry is ever-evolving. Just a short 40-minute drive from Phuket Airport is Keemala Hotel, a bizarre and fascinating hotel located woodland hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea. Holistic relaxation is the central focus at this hotel, they offer peaceful options such as yoga, pilots and meditation abound. Guests looking for something a little more physically involved can sate their desires with a spot of circuit training, Thai boxing or running trails.

Their spa is also a main focus at the hotel, they have world-class practitioners in both Eastern and Western medicine, with a focus on kinesiology. They often have guest speakers or practitioners come to hotel and speak or give classes. However, all that work in a day can lead to a pretty large hunger! Dine at one of their four venues, The Restaurant, pool side, comfortable lounge area are perfect for afternoon tea, and a wine cellar that is ideal for intimate dinners. Keemala Hotel believes in dining that is a “Feast for the Senses” and offer Healthy Living Cuisine (raw, macrobiotic, and slow cooked food).

Each of Keemala’s 38 villas come equipped with a pool and a specific theme. The four themes are Clay Pool Cottages, Tent Pool Villas, Tree Pool Houses, and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. The Bird’s Nest Villa is perfect for those seeking more privacy and space. The designs of the villas have been inspired by the stories, cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of four groups of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers. This theme is very apparent in the structure, design, and decor of the hotel.

Keemala Hotel is the perfect exotic escape for those who have seen and done Phuket and are looking for something definitely outside the norm of luxury. Prepare to eat well, drink fantastic wine, and detoxify your body at this retreat.

Sonora Resort. British Columbia

August 27, 2015Hotel of the Weekbest hotel in british columbia, canada luxury hotel, desolation sound, eco hotel canada, Luxury Lodge, sonora lodge, sonora resort, vancouver island, vancouver luxury hotelStefanie

You can tell a lot about a hotel by their entrance; there are grand over-the-top entrances, hidden ones, hard-to-get-to ones, and then there are treks. This was one of those special hard-to-get-to ones except getting to Sonora Resort was half the adventure. A boat picks you up from the harbor on Vancouver Island and from there it is a one-hour boat ride through the islands of British Columbia. Along the way you pass pods of dolphins and orcas and fisherman catching the freshest Salmon. Pulling up to Sonora Island Resort in the stunning Desolation Sound, the hotel is perched along the ocean’s edge perfectly hidden by the trees.

The hotel manager will greet you at the docks and usher you into the restaurant for a drink and some cheese sampling. Afterwards you will be guided to your hotel room to rest and get ready for dinner. There are 12 West Coast inspired lodges, with up to 19 rooms, and each room offers partial river views, insanely comfortable beds, and a complimentary bottle of wine. I stayed in the Yuculta Diamond Room which was absolutely incredible and probably my favorite room in the whole place, however you cannot go wrong with any of the rooms. If you’re staying with a larger family rent out Sea Lion Pointe, it’s extremely private, large, luxurious, and modern. All of the lodges have Native American influence in the design and art, paying tribute to the area’s history. After a long day of sight-seeing and adventure, soak your feet in one of the lodge’s hot tubs, there are 30 hot tubs on property!

The Resort also offers a swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, tennis court, putting green, 12-seat movie theatre, fly fishing ponds and more. I usually find that island resorts lack in incredible food due to their isolation but that was not the case at Sonora Resort. Every meal I had was incredibly fresh and innovative. I opted for the tasting menu every night and it did not disappoint. All your meals are included in the rate so eat your heart out while you can!

A must-do activity is the Eco-Tour, especially in the fall when Grizzly Bears are plentiful. I also recommend the Salmon Fishing half-day excursion and the Helicopter Glacier Tour, although the latter is not for the faint of heart! Since this is the only Resort on the island, the whole island is your playground. The best time of the year to visit would be June-August when the weather is still warm and the sun is out and shining. My trip to Sonora Resort was by far too short and I will be coming back. This is one of those places where each visit offers your something different- you will never ever get bored. It is pure bliss for those who appreciate both the outdoors and luxury accommodation.

Photographs courtesy of the property.